The '''MS-06R-2 Zaku II High Mobility Type''' is a limited production space combat [[mobile suit]], and is another high mobility version of the [[MS-06 Zaku II]]. It was first featured in the original design series ''[[Mobile Suit Variations#MSV Mobile Suit Variations.29|MobileSuitVariations(MSV)]]''.

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|mechdesigner=KunioOkawara

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}}The '''MS-06R-2 Zaku II High Mobility Type''' is a limited production space combat [[mobile suit]]. It was first featured in the original design series ''[[Mobile Suit Variations#MSV Mobile Suit Variations.29|Mobile Suit Variations (MSV)]]''.

==Technology & Combat Characteristics==

==Technology & Combat Characteristics==

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TheZakuIIHighMobilityTypewasoriginallyintendedasaspaceuse replacement for the old Zaku II,partofmanyMS development programs. Due to the cancellation of the [[MS-11 Action Zaku]] infavorof development of the [[MS-14Gelgoog]], the [[Principality of Zeon]] neededmodern space-borne MS asatemporaryreplacement.[[Zeonic]]company's bidwasthe MS-06R-2 Zaku II HighMobilityType.TheR-2 Zaku was muchlighterthanits [[MS-06R-1AHighMobilityTypeZakuII|R-1A]]predecessor,featuredincreasedstorageforpropellant,andhadextraarmoronthelegs.However, the factthattheR-2usedtheR-1A'sreactormeantthatitcouldnotusebeamweapons.

The R-2 had a complicated development history that reflected the confusion that plagued the Zeon’s mobile suit development.<ref name="RG model"/> It is based on the [[MS-06R-2P Zaku II High Mobility Test Type]], which was intended to be able to use beam weaponry, but failed to reach a practical level.<ref name="RG model"/> However, the suit exhibited high capabilities even without beam weaponry, and was later redesigned into the high mobility R-2 which uses normal Zaku II weapons.<ref name="RG model"/> The R-2’s exterior is almost identical to the past Zaku II High Mobility Type machines, but it has been greatly altered in various areas, such as a new generator with higher output, a different chest piece, higher propellant capacity, and the use of lighter and better armor material in some sections.<ref name="RG model"/><ref name="HG model"/><ref name="MG model"/> Thus, the R-2 has higher performance and is lighter than the [[MS-06R-1 Zaku II High Mobility Test Type|R-1]] and the [[MS-06R-1A Zaku II High Mobility Type|R-1A Types]].<ref name="RG model"/><ref name="HG model"/>

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The R-2 was reputed as a “Gelgoog wearing a Zaku’s skin” for its high capabilities.<ref name="RG model"/><ref name="HG model"/><ref name="MG model"/> In fact, it used parts meant for the still in development Gelgoog in its construction.<ref name="RG model"/><ref name="HG model"/><ref name="MG model"/> A result of this is that its legs’ internal structure has been redesigned.<ref name="RG model"/> The R-2’s legs are also better armored compared to previous Zaku High Mobility Types, offering better protection against enemies attacks.<ref name="RG model"/><ref name="HG model"/><ref name="MG model"/> These added armor also make the silhouette of the R-2’s legs more similar to that of the Gelgoog’s.<ref name="RG model"/> It should however be noted that the shape of the leg armor can vary slightly from machine to machine.<ref name="RG model"/> Like the other Zaku High Mobility Types, the R-2 has propellant tanks in the calfs and thighs to increase the operating time of the legs’ propulsion devices.<ref name="RG model"/>

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The suit’s backpack is based on those used by past Zaku High Mobility Type machines, but the propellant tank at the top is enlarged and holds 18% more fuel than the R-1A Type’s.<ref name="RG model"/><ref name="HG model"/> Other features of the backpack remain the same, such as large thruster nozzles, an exposed roll bar at the top that could facilitate exchange of propellant tank or the entire backpack, and fin-shaped stabilizers at the bottom that can move together with the thrusters, granting the suit high mobility and maneuverability.<ref name="RG model"/> The R-2’s communication and sensor systems are also enhanced like the past Zaku High Mobility Types.<ref name="RG model"/> Despite having a blade antenna on its head, this does not indicate that the suit is a commander use machine as with the usual Zaku II.<ref name="RG model"/> Instead, it is said that the suit’s designer included the blade antenna simply for decorative purposes, and it is present on all the R-2 machines during roll out.<ref name="RG model"/> The particularly shape of blade antenna used is known as the stabilizer type.<ref name="RG model"/>

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Despite having better specifications, the R-2 lost the competition to the [[Zimmad]] Company’s [[MS-09R Rick Dom]] due to issues with cost and operating conditions.<ref name="RG model"/><ref name="HG model"/><ref name="MG model"/> In the end, only four R-2 were produced, and they were deployed to ace pilots, such as Johnny Ridden.<ref name="RG model"/><ref name="HG model"/><ref name="MG model"/>

==Armaments==

==Armaments==

;*Shoulder Shield

;*Shoulder Shield

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:Theshield is a simple defense used to block most incoming ballistic and explosive projectiles. Also used to great effect in close quarters battle with enemy mobile suits. The Zaku II mounts a shield on its right shoulder.

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:Mountedon the right shoulder, it is a simple defense used to block most physical projectiles.

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;*ZMP-50D/120mm Machine Gun

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;*120mm Machine Gun

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:The 120mm machine gun is a standard non-beam weapon for Zaku type mobile suits. It is a shell firing gun that does not require energy to be used, however its effectiveness against heavy armor is very limited. TheZMP-50D used a 100-round drum magazine.

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:A standard weapon for Zaku type mobile suits. It is a shell firing gun that does not require energy to be used, however its effectiveness against heavy armor is very limited. Ituses a 100-round drum magazine. It is said that Johnny Ridden often used the ZMP-50D, and also the M-120A model, in close range combat.<ref name="RG model"/>

;*Heat Hawk Type 5

;*Heat Hawk Type 5

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:An axe-shaped close combat weapon, it uses a super-heated blade to cut through the armor of enemy MS or vehicles. The thermal energy is generated by the power output of the Zaku II's thermonuclear reactor and relayed through the MS' hands.

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:An axe-shaped close combat weapon, it uses a super-heated blade to cut through the armor of enemy MS or vehicles. The thermal energy is generated by the Zaku II's thermonuclear reactor and relayed through the MS' hands.

:The 280mm Zaku Bazooka was another weapon that could be equipped to a Zaku type mobile suit anditfires explosive rounds.Itisprimarilyforanti-shipcombatanddisplaysits power in hit and run attacks.<ref name="RG model"/> It can also be used againstenemy mobile suits,butit is harder to hit a constantly moving target.<ref name="HG model"/> Can be stored on an optional rack mounted on the shoulder shield.<ref name="RG model"/>

;*H&L-GB05R/360mm Giant Bazooka

;*H&L-GB05R/360mm Giant Bazooka

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:Alarge bazooka originallydesigned for use by the Dom seriesofmobile suits. The 360mm bazookais magazine fed and holds 10 rounds permagazine, and a singleround is powerful enoughtoblowthetorsooffofanenemymobilesuit.

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:Thesame MS-use bazooka asused by the Dom,itfiresrocket-propelled 360mm physicalrounds, its magazine holds 10 rounds.Ithas a low muzzle velocity,but is one of the Zeon’s most powerful MS-usephysicalprojectileweapons.<refname="RGmodel"/>Hasthesameusageas the Zaku Bazooka.<ref name="RG model"/>

;*MIP-B6 Cracker Grenade

;*MIP-B6 Cracker Grenade

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:Identical to those used by infantry, the cracker grenade is an explosive weapons designed to be thrown or launched by the MS and detonate after a set amount of time. The "cracker" breaks into several smaller munitions over a wide area. The Zaku II can optionally equip up to four cracker grenades, that are stored on the left and right waist armor racks, with two on each side.

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:Identical to those used by infantry, the cracker grenade is an explosive weapons designed to be thrown or launched by the MS and detonate after a set amount of time. The "cracker" breaks into several smaller munitions over a wide area. A flash-type variant also exist, which it used to temporarily paralyze the sensors of enemy MS. The Zaku II can optionally equip up to four cracker grenades, that are stored on the left and right waist armor racks, with two on each side.

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;*Backpack Weapon

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:A prototype beam weapon, it was a beam gun connected via a power cable to a Gelgoog generator. As it's powered by its own generator, it can be wielded by Zaku type MS. It however only has enough power for three shots. The firearm appears in [[Mobile Suit Gundam MSV Battle Chronicle Johnny Ridden]].

==History==

==History==

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Only four units of R-2 Zakus were produced before the [[MS-09R Rick Dom]] was chosen as the new space combat MS. They were assigned to Major [[Johnny Ridden]] (painted red and black), Lieutenant Colonel [[Gabby Hazard]] (painted orange and black), Colonel [[Robert Gilliam]] (painted blue and beige) and the fourth unit was given to test pilot [[Elliot Rem]], which eventually evolved into the [[MS-06R-3S High Mobility Type Zaku]]. In the ''Spirits of Zeon'' video game, the fourth unit is assigned to [[Kurt Roswell]] (painted maroon and gray).

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Only four R-2 Zakus were produced before the [[MS-09R Rick Dom]] was chosen as the new space combat MS. They were assigned to Major [[Johnny Ridden]] (painted red and black), Lieutenant Colonel [[Gabby Hazard]] (painted orange and black), Colonel [[Robert Gilliam]] (painted blue and beige) and the fourth unit was given to test pilot [[Elliot Rem]], which eventually evolved into the [[MS-06R-3S High Mobility Type Zaku]]. In the [[Mobile Suit Gundam: Spirits of Zeon ~Dual Stars of Carnage~|Spirits of Zeon]] video game, the fourth unit is assigned to [[Kurt Roswell]] (painted maroon and gray).

Contents

One of the last machines in the Zaku II High Mobility Type series, the MS-06R-2 Zaku II High Mobility Type was Zeonic Company's entry in the competition for the Principality of Zeon's next generation space-use mainstay MS.[1][2][3] It was a replacement for the beam weaponry equipped MS-11 (later the MS-14 Gelgoog) which was facing delays in development.[2][3] The competition was one of Zeon's responses to the Earth Federation Forces' successful development of their own MS and their counter offenses.[2][3]

The R-2 had a complicated development history that reflected the confusion that plagued the Zeon’s mobile suit development.[1] It is based on the MS-06R-2P Zaku II High Mobility Test Type, which was intended to be able to use beam weaponry, but failed to reach a practical level.[1] However, the suit exhibited high capabilities even without beam weaponry, and was later redesigned into the high mobility R-2 which uses normal Zaku II weapons.[1] The R-2’s exterior is almost identical to the past Zaku II High Mobility Type machines, but it has been greatly altered in various areas, such as a new generator with higher output, a different chest piece, higher propellant capacity, and the use of lighter and better armor material in some sections.[1][2][3] Thus, the R-2 has higher performance and is lighter than the R-1 and the R-1A Types.[1][2]

The R-2 was reputed as a “Gelgoog wearing a Zaku’s skin” for its high capabilities.[1][2][3] In fact, it used parts meant for the still in development Gelgoog in its construction.[1][2][3] A result of this is that its legs’ internal structure has been redesigned.[1] The R-2’s legs are also better armored compared to previous Zaku High Mobility Types, offering better protection against enemies attacks.[1][2][3] These added armor also make the silhouette of the R-2’s legs more similar to that of the Gelgoog’s.[1] It should however be noted that the shape of the leg armor can vary slightly from machine to machine.[1] Like the other Zaku High Mobility Types, the R-2 has propellant tanks in the calfs and thighs to increase the operating time of the legs’ propulsion devices.[1]

The suit’s backpack is based on those used by past Zaku High Mobility Type machines, but the propellant tank at the top is enlarged and holds 18% more fuel than the R-1A Type’s.[1][2] Other features of the backpack remain the same, such as large thruster nozzles, an exposed roll bar at the top that could facilitate exchange of propellant tank or the entire backpack, and fin-shaped stabilizers at the bottom that can move together with the thrusters, granting the suit high mobility and maneuverability.[1] The R-2’s communication and sensor systems are also enhanced like the past Zaku High Mobility Types.[1] Despite having a blade antenna on its head, this does not indicate that the suit is a commander use machine as with the usual Zaku II.[1] Instead, it is said that the suit’s designer included the blade antenna simply for decorative purposes, and it is present on all the R-2 machines during roll out.[1] The particularly shape of blade antenna used is known as the stabilizer type.[1]

Despite having better specifications, the R-2 lost the competition to the Zimmad Company’s MS-09R Rick Dom due to issues with cost and operating conditions.[1][2][3] In the end, only four R-2 were produced, and they were deployed to ace pilots, such as Johnny Ridden.[1][2][3]

Mounted on the right shoulder, it is a simple defense used to block most physical projectiles.

120mm Machine Gun

A standard weapon for Zaku type mobile suits. It is a shell firing gun that does not require energy to be used, however its effectiveness against heavy armor is very limited. It uses a 100-round drum magazine. It is said that Johnny Ridden often used the ZMP-50D, and also the M-120A model, in close range combat.[1]

Heat Hawk Type 5

An axe-shaped close combat weapon, it uses a super-heated blade to cut through the armor of enemy MS or vehicles. The thermal energy is generated by the Zaku II's thermonuclear reactor and relayed through the MS' hands.

H&L-SB25K/280mmA-P Zaku Bazooka

The 280mm Zaku Bazooka was another weapon that could be equipped to a Zaku type mobile suit and it fires explosive rounds. It is primarily for anti-ship combat and displays its power in hit and run attacks.[1] It can also be used against enemy mobile suits, but it is harder to hit a constantly moving target.[2] Can be stored on an optional rack mounted on the shoulder shield.[1]

H&L-GB05R/360mm Giant Bazooka

The same MS-use bazooka as used by the Dom, it fires rocket-propelled 360mm physical rounds, its magazine holds 10 rounds. It has a low muzzle velocity, but is one of the Zeon’s most powerful MS-use physical projectile weapons.[1] Has the same usage as the Zaku Bazooka.[1]

MIP-B6 Cracker Grenade

Identical to those used by infantry, the cracker grenade is an explosive weapons designed to be thrown or launched by the MS and detonate after a set amount of time. The "cracker" breaks into several smaller munitions over a wide area. A flash-type variant also exist, which it used to temporarily paralyze the sensors of enemy MS. The Zaku II can optionally equip up to four cracker grenades, that are stored on the left and right waist armor racks, with two on each side.

Backpack Weapon

A prototype beam weapon, it was a beam gun connected via a power cable to a Gelgoog generator. As it's powered by its own generator, it can be wielded by Zaku type MS. It however only has enough power for three shots. The firearm appears in Mobile Suit Gundam MSV Battle Chronicle Johnny Ridden.